BN takes commanding early lead in Melaka polls, Ab Rauf poised to retain Tanjung Bidara

BARISAN Nasional (BN) appeared set for a strong showing in the Melaka state election, leading in 21 of the 28 constituencies as vote counting continued tonight, with caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh also on course to retain Tanjung Bidara.

Unofficial results showed Pakatan Harapan (PH) ahead in five seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) was leading in the remaining two, putting BN in a favourable position to maintain its hold on the state government.

One of the closely watched contests was in Tanjung Bidara, where Ab Rauf was seeking another term after narrowly defeating his opponent with a majority of 364 votes in the 2021 state election.

He is facing PH candidate Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri in the constituency.

Meanwhile, DAP appeared to be maintaining its foothold in several urban constituencies, with PH leading in Ayer Keroh, Kota Laksamana and Bandar Hilir based on the early vote count.

The initial figures offered some positive signs for PH, although the coalition’s final performance would depend on the outcome in the remaining seats.

In Ayer Keroh, incumbent DAP assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee was reported to be ahead by 524 votes in the preliminary tally.

BN candidate Rais Yasin was also building a significant lead in Sungai Udang, securing 6,340 votes compared with 277 for Bersatu and 97 for Parti Bersama Malaysia, based on figures available at 6.47pm.

BN was additionally ahead in several other constituencies, including Lendu, Asahan, Rim and Merlimau.

The Melaka election carries particular significance for BN and PH, which are partners in the federal unity government but are contesting against each other at state level.

A decisive performance by BN would further consolidate Umno’s standing in Melaka, while DAP’s results in its established urban strongholds would offer an indication of its ability to retain support among its traditional voters.

At the previous state election in 2021, BN captured 21 of the 28 seats, giving it a two-thirds majority in the state assembly. PH won five constituencies, while PN secured the remaining two.

This time, 79 candidates are contesting across the 28 constituencies, with a minimum of 15 seats needed to secure a simple majority in the state assembly.

Voter turnout reached 70.59% by the close of polling at 6pm, higher than the 65.85% recorded in the 2021 election.

The Election Commission was expected to start announcing the official results from 9.30pm, with the complete outcome anticipated before midnight.